Austin FC defender Jon Gallagher (17) celebrates after goal March 23 against San Diego FC goalkeeper CJ dos Santos (1) during the first half at Q2 Stadium in Austin.
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Jon Gallagher doesn’t have a nickname.
Though something like “the Swiss Army Knife” or “Mr. Versatility” would be appropriate for the Austin FC veteran. In his five years with the club, Gallagher has played every position except goalie.
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“It is what it is,” Gallagher said with a chuckle recently at Austin FC’s training facility. “Sometimes you want to cement yourself in one place, but then you also have to take a step back and see the beauty and the value in being able to play multiple spots. You’re always an option for the coach, and I want to play.”
Fortunately for Austin FC, a lack of a moniker — or a guaranteed starting spot — doesn’t bother Gallagher. Being in Central Texas is where he wants to be.
Forward Jon Gallagher’s versatility should help Austin FC with its current depth issues. Gallagher can play pretty much anywhere on the field.
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Gallagher recently signed a contract extension to stay with the Verde & Black at least through the 2027-28 season. (The club has an option for 2028-29.) One of five members still left from the club’s original 2021 squad, he’s experienced all of Austin FC’s ups and downs. And he’s been around so long — staying six seasons at one club is rare in today’s transfer-happy soccer world — one would be surprised to know that Gallagher is still a month away from turning 30.
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 2:Jon Gallagher #17 of Austin FC kicks the ball in a match between Austin FC and the Los Angeles Football Club at Q2 Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Jefferson/Getty Images)
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While goalie Brad Stuver might be looked at as the face of the club, Gallagher, who scored the first goal at Q2 Stadium, is its reliable presence.
Two homes an ocean apart
There’s no Irish accent when Gallagher talks.
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Though he was born in Ireland and considers it home, he left there at the age of 8 as his dad worked in sales for Guinness. (Yes, the beer company.) He lived in Connecticut, Jamaica, Singapore and England before going to Notre Dame to play college soccer.
Austin is one of the places he’s spent the most time in his life, though personal circumstances have changed drastically since he arrived in December 2020. Gallagher is now married, has a young daughter and owns a house. Those are things that made extending his contract an easy decision.
“Just having a baby recently makes it difficult to uproot your family,” he said. “My wife and I like living here … and it’s nice to get (another guaranteed year). From the playing side, I don’t think there are many places (in MLS) that can compete with this place in terms of the infrastructure, facilities and how they take care of players.”
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Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira, left, hugs forward Jon Gallagher after their win over Real Salt Lake in March. Gallagher has been named to the MLS all-star team.
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On the field — where he was an MLS all-star in 2023 at left back — he thinks he’s different, too. He’s no longer the fresh-faced 24-year-old just trying to find his way in the professional ranks.
“I’m more experienced and a better player,” Gallagher said. “I think I’m probably a bit more level-headed emotionally. … And the tools I can offer off the field are probably more beneficial now in terms of leadership.”
While he’s focused on playing for Austin FC as long as possible, eventually, Gallagher would like to live in Ireland again, he said. And soccer is likely what will take him back.
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Though most players older than 32 never know when their career will end, whenever Gallagher’s time in MLS is up, he’ll probably be coveted by Irish teams due to his passport. (Many European leagues require teams to have a minimum number of national players.)
“Being back this Christmas definitely opened my eyes to it,” he said. “I love (Ireland) and all my family is still there. It still feels like the place I was raised in. … Whenever I get to my mid-30s (and MLS is no longer an option), me and my wife have talked about going back for a year or two if the legs still have it.”
Competition comes from not only opponents
The last two years have tested Gallagher, especially after his all-star campaign.
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He started the first 22 matches at right back in 2024, then lost his spot there when the club brought in Mikkel Desler. His absence from the starting lineup lasted one game, and he started the rest of the season at either left back or on one of the wings.
After coming off the bench in the first three matches in 2025, he started the next 16 games at right back when Desler suffered an injury, then the following five on the wing. Though his minutes diminished for a brief stretch, he started nine of the team’s last 12 games, including its two playoff matches.
In multiple contests, Gallagher played two different positions, switching from outside back to the wing, depending on the lineup.
This training camp, little has changed. Gallagher noted he’s already played in multiple spots. (He started the club’s preseason match Friday at right back.) And there’s plenty of competition at both outside back and winger.
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But wherever it is on the field Austin FC needs him, from center back to striker, Gallagher will be there.
“Something I work with my mindset is, just be the best ‘Jon the soccer player’ that you can be,” Gallagher said. “So if it gets me on the field, then that keeps me happy.”